Abstract:

There are some simple models of pipeline with clearly different results. Interaction between the pipeline and soil can be considered as pipesoil contact. Based on the pipesoil contact model, a 3D finiteelement model of buried pipeline and soil is established in the paper. Seismic responses of pipeline and the axis stress are given. Comparison among several methods including the standard method, a theoretical method, the beamsoilspring model and the proposed pipesoil contact model show that the results of simple models are too small and not safe enough.

Key words: buried pipeline; pipesoil contact; seismic analysis; finite element methods （FEM）